Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols, wanting to give his surgically repaired right knee an important test, expects to make his first start this spring at first base Tuesday, according to MLB.com’s Angels blog.

The Angels are scheduled to play the Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale, Ariz., after today’s off day.

Albert Pujols expects to make his first start this spring at first base Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Pujols has been taking part in defensive drills for a while now, according to the report, increasing the intensity while continuing to run the bases in workouts.

Over his last three starts as a designated hitter, Pujols hasn’t needed a “courtesy runner” when he reached base.

He is hitting .350 (7-for-20) with a pair of home runs and five RBIs in seven Cactus League games.

It’s critical that Pujols get game-speed repetitions because Tuesday’s game is 13 days before the Angels’ April 1 opener at Cincinnati—under National League rules in which there is no DH.

The Angels won’t use the DH Tuesday, playing under National League rules at the Brewers’ complex, so scheduled starting pitcher Jason Vargas will hit for the first time this spring and Pujols’ only chance to get in the lineup would be at first base.

The Angels slugger said Sunday morning that his knee feels good enough to allow him to do that.

Pujols made his seventh start at DH Sunday against the Padres, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, and may come by the Angels facility today to work out, according to MLB.com.

And though Tuesday’s return to first base isn’t set in stone, he says he feels good about his prospects of playing in the field.